This medication is used on the skin to treat
pre-cancerous and cancerous skin growths. Fluorouracil belongs to a class
of medications known as anti-metabolites. It works by blocking the growth
of abnormal cells that cause the skin condition.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Use this medication as directed by your doctor. Before
you apply this medication to the skin, clean the affected area and dry
well. Wait 10 minutes, then apply a small amount of medication to the
affected skin, using just enough to cover the area with a thin film. Wash
your hands immediately after applying this medication, even if you have
used gloves.
The treated area may become unsightly during treatment
and in some cases for several weeks after treatment. Do not cover the area
with tight dressings or plastic bandages. Check with your doctor whether
you may cover the treated area loosely with gauze.
Avoid applying this medication in or around the eyes or
eyelids. Also, do not apply this medication inside the nose or mouth. If
you do get the medication in these areas, rinse with plenty of
water.
This medication may cause serious harm (even death) in
pets. Keep this medication securely away from pets, and do not allow pets
to lick the area where the medication was applied. Contact your vet right
away if your pet comes into contact with this medication.
Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not stop
using this medication without consulting your doctor. Do not increase your
dose or use it more often than directed. Your condition will not clear
faster, but side effects will be increased.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse or if it
does not get better.
Skin irritation, burning, redness, dryness, pain,
swelling, tenderness, or changes in skin color may occur at the site of
application. Eye irritation (such as stinging, watering), trouble sleeping,
irritability, temporary hair loss, or abnormal taste in the mouth may also
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- stomach/abdominal pain
- bloody diarrhea
- vomiting
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- mouth sores
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using fluorouracil, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to flucytosine; or to
capecitabine; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain
inactive ingredients (such as peanut oil found in some brands), which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- a certain enzyme deficiency (dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase
- DPD)
- red/irritated/infected/open sores on skin
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun.
Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use
sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. After using
fluorouracil cream, wait 2 hours before applying sunscreen or moisturizer
to the treated area. Do not use other skin products including creams,
lotions, medications, or cosmetics unless instructed by your doctor to do
so. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin
blisters/redness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It
may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control
with your doctor. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell
your doctor right away.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone
has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble
breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US
residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call
1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
This medication must be used under close medical
supervision. Be sure to keep all your medical appointments so your doctor
can monitor your progress or any side effects.
Discard any unused medication when the treatment is
finished. Do not use it for any other skin conditions unless directed to do
so by your doctor.
There are different brands and forms of this medication
available. Not all have identical effects. Do not change brands or forms
without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.